The Knicks scored 41 points in the third quarter. The Heat were up 49-47 at the half in a defensive battle. Then, the bottom dropped out. The Knicks won the game by 21 points. The Heat committed 20 turnovers. Although the draft, seems likely for the Heat, there is no guarantee that a young player will immediately help Miami. Any fan would want to plan for the draft because the team would embarrass themselves in the playoffs. There is no worse torture as watching a 4-0 sweep.
Anatomy of the third quarter
Immediately to start the third, the Knicks began to pull away. The Heat committed turnovers, and conversely, the Knicks were attacking the glass and finishing possessions. But, the game was still competitive at 60-67 with under five minutes remaining in the quarter.
The Heaters shot 37% in the third quarter. Mikal Bridges scored 15 points in the third quarter for the Knicks. Josh Hart hit an 11-12-13 line last night with assists, points and rebounds. Karl Anthony-Towns has been a “Heat Killer” this season joining the Knicks. Last night, he had a personal 15-0 run against Miami.
Heat fans calling for drastic changes
The Heat have lost eight straight games. This is the longest streak in Coach Erik Spoelstra’s career since 2008. Fans are calling for drastic changes like Pat Riley being fired, Spoelstra being fired, or the team being blown apart. Pat Riley’s philosophy of “We Have Enough” evokes memories of when they extended Dion Waiters, James Johnson and Tyler Johnson.
Another interesting take on the Heat was posted by “HeatCulture13” on twitter. He commented that Tyler Herro is up for an extension soon and polled fans as to whether he should be extended. A quick read of the comments below says No.
Agony of a professional season
As a professional sports season goes, the games continue. The Heat play Detroit at home on Wednesday. Detroit is a surprising sixth in the East and match up well against the Heat. Then on Friday, Miami plays Houston that is third in the West. The players need to keep suiting up for the games and playing the games.
Josh Christopher and Isaiah Stevens are two Heat players in the G-League that could get into games. That would be the “white flag” on the season. Tim Legler is onto something as there is a “lack of will” on the team. The blown leads and the “eight-point quarters” don’t happen without committing to that path.
See you Wednesday.
